Health is wealth is not just a mere saying, as not being in good health often robs us of certain comforts, putting a burden on not just our body but also our finances. Although our current generation should be grateful for how far science has improved our health care system, making illnesses that were once life-threatening have a cure or prevention now, by just getting a prescription or over-the-counter medicine, or gaining insight on how to manage an autoimmune disease and still lead a healthy life.
I am one of those individuals who detest taking drugs or even injections. Still, attaining adulthood with all its stress, which often causes body pain, migraines, and the most frequent of all, malaria, I have no choice but to take my health more seriously. However, the truth remains that no matter how careful you are not to fall sick, this hectic adulting lifestyle from jobs, family pressure, etc, makes even the drugs that normally work seem useless.
Early this year, I was faced with such kind of challenge, I kept having persistent malaria even after recent treatment, and spending so much on drugs that I don't even like taking, I took them diligently, following the prescription and expected to feel better after, but instead felt worst, that I started panicking, thinking it was something more serious and decided to get another doctor's appointment, but my mum adviced that I take a break from work and intentionally take much rest to rejuvenate my body, during this period, she made sure that I prepared healthy meals and even brought lots of fresh vegetables for me.
Although at first, I was skeptical about taking the week off, because I hate to disappoint my clients and also because my income would be affected but I was also desperate for a solution, because if I continued working, I would still end up breaking down, so I had no choice but to heed her advice. Sleeping more, taking a lot of work stress out of my mind, and also eating the right meals, inculcating fruits and vegetables, which provided my body with the necessary nutrients to fight off the sickness.
I experienced significant improvement in my health as this approach was able to help reduce my stress levels. With that noticeable change after two weeks, I even started receiving compliments from people on how I have added weight and have glowing skin. For someone like me, adding weight is one compliment I never get. I have been slim all my life and never gained any, even when I wished to. I discovered that when we are stressed, our body's immune system is compromised, making it harder to recover from illness. Not just that, our skin is also affected as well as it's just like a mirror to what happens on the inside, some of my friends and neighbours started asking if I changed any of my skin care routine, which I didn't, I don't even have a complicated skin care routine to start with because I hardly have the time.
Some days, two weeks resting and eating right did the magic, taking a break from work and focusing on relaxation, I was able to manage my stress levels more effectively and regain my health to fullness without the need for drugs.
Image is mine